C12 Mrs Zhao Was Angry!

The receptionist shot the man a series of pointed glances, but he might as well have been invisible for all the notice the man took. He kept up his tirade, even as Ling Yifei caught sight of Zhao Yuqin. Ling Yifei adopted a woeful expression, which only served to escalate Zhao Yuqin's fury. "Have you finished your tirade?" she interjected icily, cutting off the man's vitriol.

"No, a wild brat like that deserves a good scolding!" Wrong! The man's realization hit him like a ton of bricks as the voice echoed in his ears, chillingly familiar. His legs turned to jelly, and he broke out in a cold sweat. As he slowly turned around, he was met with a face cold enough to freeze hell over.

"Chair... Chairman..." The man, now pale as a ghost, was petrified with fear. Zhao Yuqin's reputation as a formidable businesswoman preceded her; as the company's strict chairman, she commanded both respect and fear. Her reputation for decisive action was well-known, and everyone present could only conclude that this man's fate was sealed.

The man's voice faltered, "This... gentleman wanted to see you. I said you were too busy, so I..." "Nonsense! Did you even try to notify me? Didn't have a second to report to me? Ha! You must be very busy indeed, Manager Wang!" Zhao Yuqin cut him off before he could finish. The receptionist was shocked, the employees were shocked, and the man was utterly dumbfounded. Even Ling Yifei was taken aback.

In Ling Yifei's memory, Mrs. Zhao had always been kind and gentle. So what had caused such an outburst? The employees were equally bewildered. The chairman, though strict, had never berated an employee before. What had happened today?

The most desperate of all was the man in question, who was likely scared out of his wits.

Zhao Yuqin was truly incensed. To insult Ling Yifei in her presence was to insult her directly. She had come to see Ling Yifei as her own son from the day they met, and seeing him so mistreated today ignited a fierce maternal instinct within her.

Zhao Yuqin, in that moment, was the epitome of a mother bear defending her cub, image be damned. "Repeat what you just said, I dare you! Do you realize he's my relative? By humiliating him, you're humiliating me! Understand?" She pointed accusingly at the trembling, potbellied man.

"Chairman, I had no idea he was your relative. Had I known, I certainly wouldn't have dared to act as I did," the chubby man stammered, completely taken aback. He couldn't fathom that this seemingly impoverished country boy was actually the chairman's relative, and evidently, the chairman's treatment of him was far from ordinary.

"Get out. Starting tomorrow, you're no longer employed here. Settle your wages with the finance department and take your belongings with you. Leave immediately!"

The portly man felt as though his world was crumbling. Yi'an Group was the leading real estate conglomerate in S City, known for its exceptional employee benefits. Being dismissed from such a company, he was at a loss for how he would survive.

"Chairman, I apologize. Please, I beg you to forgive me just this once." The man was on the verge of tears, nearly kneeling in his desperate plea for mercy.

Yet, Zhao Yuqin was unmoved by his cries. Fear was not exclusive to him at this moment; the receptionist was also in a precarious position. Indeed, her earlier treatment of Ling Yifei could have severe consequences if he decided to speak ill of her to the chairman, potentially costing her the job.

The receptionist cast a sorrowful glance at Ling Yifei, who returned her gaze with a smile. What a contrast from her earlier haughtiness to her current state of distress. The shift was dramatic, and Ling Yifei couldn't help but relish the turn of events.

"Yifei, are you okay? I hope they didn't give you a hard time," Zhao Yuqin asked, turning to Ling Yifei with a tenderness reserved for one's own child. Despite feeling comforted, Ling Yifei was still intimidated by Mrs. Zhao's earlier ferocity.

"Auntie, I'm fine. They were just doing their job, as they should," Ling Yifei replied, adopting an innocent demeanor as he spoke on their behalf. Zhao Yuqin's affection for him seemed to grow with his display of empathy, but recalling Ling Yifei's earlier look of helplessness, she turned away with a stern expression.

Witnessing Zhao Yuqin's stern demeanor, Ling Yifei silently wished the chubby man luck. There was nothing more he could do to intervene. "Are you still here? I don't want to have to repeat myself!" Zhao Yuqin was resolute, showing no leniency as the man with the big belly wept, his pleas falling on deaf ears.

After the confrontation, Zhao Yuqin turned her attention back to the receptionist. With her experience, she was well aware of the underlying dynamics at play. The receptionist, catching the chairman's scrutinizing gaze, quickly lowered her head, fearful of drawing any unwanted attention to herself.

With Zhao Yuqin's firm stance, the portly man had no choice but to slink off to the finance department to settle his wages. Zhao Yuqin then turned to Ling Yifei with a smile and invited, "Come, Yifei, let's talk in my office." Together, they headed toward the elevator.

As Ling Yifei passed by the front desk, he cast a glance at the receptionist, who managed a strained smile in return, her discomfort palpable. Ling Yifei simply shrugged and followed Zhao Yuqin into the elevator.

The receptionist was left rattled, realizing that the unassuming individual was actually a relative of the chairman. She resolved never to underestimate anyone again, knowing that her job could very well be at stake next time.

Upon entering Zhao Yuqin's office, Ling Yifei felt somewhat ill at ease. He was thankful to Zhao Yuqin for treating him like family, yet he knew the importance of maintaining proper etiquette. Zhao Yuqin noticed his demeanor and her smile grew warmer.

"Yifei, with your father returning to the countryside, have you given any thought to what you'd like to do?" Zhao Yuqin encouraged him to relax as she inquired about his plans.

"I haven't really figured it out yet. I don't have a place to go right now," Ling Yifei admitted, spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness.

"How about this: you go to school," Zhao Yuqin suggested.

"Ah! Me, go to school?" Ling Yifei was taken aback, having been out of touch with the concept of schooling for millennia. The idea of him attending school seemed preposterous.

"Yes, you'll attend the same school as Xueer. It will give you a chance to experience the school environment, learn new things, and acquire some skills. Plus, you can help me look after Xueer," Zhao Yuqin explained, revealing her hope that Ling Yifei would take up the opportunity.

Considering his options, Ling Yifei realized he had nowhere else to go and, being young, school seemed like a fitting choice. He could make new friends and, he mused with a sly grin, there were likely to be plenty of attractive girls there. The thought brought an involuntary smile to his lips.

Zhao Yuqin smiled upon seeing Ling Yifei, "Xiao Shuo, do you agree with Auntie's idea?"

"Ah, yes, of course, Auntie, thank you so much. I guess I'll be heading to school then. Sorry to trouble you again."

With Ling Yifei's agreement, Zhao Yuqin's face lit up with happiness. "Great! I'll get your enrollment sorted out right away." True to her efficient reputation, Zhao Yuqin immediately picked up the phone and within minutes, the arrangements were made.

"Alright! You can start school on Monday. Just report directly to the principal when you arrive, and he will place you in a class."

"Thank you, Auntie," Ling Yifei responded, feeling increasingly indebted to Zhao Yuqin. He resolved to repay her kindness in the future.

Zhao Yuqin then remembered something else, "By the way, Yifei, are you managing alright living on your own? You could move into my place; we have plenty of spare rooms."

"No, thank you, Mrs. Zhao. I wouldn't want to impose, and it would be somewhat inconvenient for me to move in." Ling Yifei's refusal was met with understanding from Zhao Yuqin, who simply mentioned that he was welcome any time he reconsidered.

Glancing at her watch, Zhao Yuqin noted it was past five in the afternoon. "Xiao Shuo, why don't you come over for dinner tonight? Bring Xiaoman along; she can fill you in on the school."

Ling Yifei immediately shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, Auntie, but I have some things to take care of today. I'll make sure to visit when I find the time."

Inwardly, Ling Yifei was adamant about avoiding an encounter with Jiaang Xueer. The thought of enduring her disdainful presence during a meal was far from appealing. It would be nothing short of inviting discomfort.